Composite masonry block

ABSTRACT

A masonry block wall system includes a plurality of brackets which establish a wall framework. Each bracket includes a plurality of fins adapted to receive and support at least one block member such that the fins establish a desired alignment of block members relative to one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to building components, and moreparticularly to composite masonry blocks for constructing wall systems.

Modern day building construction, including construction of commercialand residential buildings, often includes the construction of concretewall systems. A plurality of masonry blocks are stacked in a pluralityof rows to construct the wall systems. Typical masonry blocks includemasonry face members which are outwardly aligned and parallel andinclude structural cross members that extend between the parallel faces.Traditional concrete masonry blocks are of unitary construction, withthe cross members and face members all formed of a concrete material.

Traditional masonry blocks include a one-piece construction. Therefore,the masonry blocks must be transported, in finished form, from the pointof fabrication, storage, and/or sale, and ultimately to the constructionsite. Utilization of concrete cross members increases the weight of eachindividual unit. The relatively high weight of the individual masonryblock members is undesirable from the viewpoint of an installer who mustlift, transport, and possibly re-lift the masonry block members severaltimes during the installation process.

Attempts have been made to provide a reduced weight masonry block at alow cost. For example, masonry block assemblies are known which includea pair of masonry block members which are bridged by coupling members ofa different material. Although masonry block assemblies of this type arelighter than traditional masonry blocks, these masonry block assembliestypically are difficult to assemble and impractical to manufacture. Inaddition, these masonry block assemblies must be installed using thesame basic method as standard masonry blocks and may be difficult toinsulate.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved composite masonryblock of reduced weight which is simple to manufacture and simple toassemble to construct a wall system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A masonry block wall system includes a plurality of brackets whichestablish a wall framework. Each bracket includes a plurality of finsadapted to receive and support at least one block member such that thefins establish a desired alignment of block members relative to oneanother.

A method of assembling a wall system includes positioning a plurality ofbracket members to establish a self-supporting wall frame and attachinga plurality of block members to the plurality of bracket members.

A composite masonry block wall system includes a first row of compositemasonry blocks and a second row of composite masonry blocks affixed tothe first row. Each composite masonry block includes a first blockmember, a second block member and at least one bracket member. Thebracket members of the composite masonry blocks establish a wall frameindependent of the first block members and the second block members.

The various features and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can bebriefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates an example composite masonry block;

FIG. 1B schematically illustrates an assembly view of the compositemasonry block illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates an example block member of the composite masonryblock illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the example block member;

FIG. 2C illustrates an end view of the example block member;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example bracket member of the composite masonryblock illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the example bracket member;

FIG. 3C illustrates an end view of the example bracket member;

FIG. 3D illustrates an in-process assembly view of a block memberreceived on the example bracket member;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method for assembling a compositemasonry block wall system;

FIG. 5A illustrates a plurality of bracket members positioned in aplurality of rows to form a wall frame;

FIG. 5B illustrates the wall frame illustrated in FIG. 5A and includinga plurality of block members in phantom view;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of a plurality of jointsbetween a plurality of composite masonry blocks;

FIG. 7 illustrates a second example composite masonry block;

FIG. 8A illustrates an example block member of the composite masonryblock illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the example block member of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C illustrates an end view of a second example block member of thecomposite masonry block illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example bracket member of the composite masonryblock illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a composite masonry block wall system;

FIG. 11A illustrates another example wall system;

FIG. 11B illustrates a bracket stud of the example wall systemillustrated in FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 11C illustrates a side view of the example wall system of FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example composite masonry block 10 thatincludes a first block member 12, a second block member 14, and abracket member 16. The first block member 12 and the second block member14 comprise a first material which is different than a second materialof the bracket member 16. In one example, the first block member 12 andthe second block member 14 are concrete and the bracket member 16 ismetal, such as 25 gauge galvanized sheet metal, for example. In anotherexample, the bracket member 16 is plastic. The first block member 12,the second block member 14, and the bracket member 16 may comprise anyother materials known to be suitable by those skilled in the art whohave the benefit of this description.

The bracket member 16 is a single sheet member and is connected betweenthe first block member 12 and the second block member 14. The bracketmember 16 has a width W that establishes a spacing between the firstblock member 12 and the second block member 14. The bracket members 16may be manufactured having different widths to obtain composite masonryblocks 10 of various sizes while utilizing standard sized block members12, 14. That is, the actual width of the composite masonry block 10 iscontrolled by the width W of the bracket member 16. The actual width Wof the bracket member 16 will depend upon design-specific parametersincluding, but not limited to, the desired size and strength of thecomposite masonry block 10.

The first block member 12 and the second block member 14 each have alength L1. In one example, the length L1 of the first and second blockmembers 12, 14 is approximately sixteen inches. In another example, thelength L1 is approximately eight inches. However, the first and secondblock members 12, 14 may be manufactured to the specifications of anydesired length.

The bracket member 16 has a generally planar body which is continuousand uninterrupted immediately adjacent the length L1. The bracket member16 has a length L2, which is in one example approximately 50% of thelength L1 of the first block member 12 and the second block member 14.In another example, the length L2 of the bracket member 16 is 75% of thelength L1 of the first block member 12 and the second block member 14.In yet another example, the length L2 of the bracket member 16 iscoextensive with the entire length L1 of the first block member 12 andthe second block member 14. In yet another example, the size of lengthL2 decreases as the size of length L1 decreases. That is, the length L2of the bracket member 16 may be scaled to any size in proportion to thelength L1 of the block members 12, 14. For example, the length L2 may bein the range of approximately the thickness of the material of thebracket member 16 up to approximately eight inches. A worker in the artwould understand how to design the bracket members 16 and the blockmembers 12, 14 to provide composite masonry blocks 10 of multiple sizesand strengths.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, with continued reference to FIG. 1, show anexample first block member 12. The block member 12 is shown anddescribed as typical of both block members 12 and 14. The example firstblock member 12 includes a positioning member 18 located near a firstend 19 and another near a second end 21 of the first block member 12.The bracket member 16 receives and aligns the block members 12, 14.

A slot 22 is defined between each positioning member 18 and the firstblock member 12 (FIG. 2B). A fin 32 on the bracket member 16 receivesthe slot 22 (see FIGS. 3A-3C) for receiving and aligning the first andsecond block members 12, 14 with respect to the bracket member 16.

A depression 24 on the first block member 12 is adjacent eachpositioning member 18. In one example, the depressions 24 are directlyaligned with the example slots 22. The depressions 24 are filled with anadhesive, such as mortar or glue, for example, during installation ofthe composite masonry block 10, and secure the first block member 12 andthe second block member 14 to the bracket member 16, as is furtherdiscussed below.

Each of the first end 19 and the second end 21 include a beveled corner23 (FIGS. 2B and 2C). In one example, the beveled corner 23 is at abouta 45 degree angle relative to the face of the block member 12.

FIGS. 3A-3C, with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrate thebracket member 16 having a top face 26 and opposing side faces 28. Thetop face 26 extends parallel to the length L1 and between the firstblock member 12 and the second block member 14. The opposing side faces28 are positioned at opposite ends of the top face 26 and extend in atransverse direction away from top face 26. The side faces 28 aregenerally perpendicular to and extend between the block members 12, 14in an assembled condition.

The top face 26 includes at least one opening 30 (FIGS. 3B and 3C),unless the top face 26 is required to be closed for horizontalreinforcement of the composite masonry block 10. The openings 30 providean installer of the composite masonry blocks 10 with the ability toinsulate and vertically reinforce the composite masonry block 10.Optionally, the opposing side faces 28 may include at least one openingwhere necessary to provide insulation and horizontal reinforcementduring specific installation criterion.

The opposing side faces 28 have fins 32 near their edges. The fins 32 atleast partially receive the slots 22 of the first and second blockmembers 12, 14 to assemble the composite masonry block 10 (Seein-process view illustrated by FIG. 3D). The fins 32 each include aplurality of openings 34 to permit an adhesive to penetrate through theopenings 34 and fixedly attach the first block member 12 and the secondblock member 14 to the bracket member 16.

Each example fin 32 also includes a plurality of corrugations 36 near anend 38 opposite from the top face 26, in one example. In anotherexample, the fins 32 includes a plurality of flute members 43. Thecorrugations 36 and flute members 43 provide a friction surface betweenthe first and second block members 12, 14 and the bracket member 16 andsecure the slots 22 of the first and second block members 12, 14 on thefins 32 of the bracket member 16.

Each opposing side face 28 of the bracket member 16 further includes aleg member 40. In one example, the leg member 40 is integrally formed onthe opposing side faces 28 adjacent the end 38. In another example, theleg member 40 is attached to the side face 28 by welding, gluing or byany other known attachment means. The leg members 40, in combinationwith the fins 32 and the slots 22, retain, align and stabilize the firstblock member 12 and the second block member 14 with respect to thebracket member 16.

The top face 26 of the bracket member 16 includes fins 42 at each of itssides. The fins 42 extend in a transverse direction from the top face 26(i.e., in a direction parallel to the opposing side faces 28). The fins42 include a plurality of openings 34, which are identical to theopenings 34 of the side face 28 fins 32, which allow an adhesive topenetrate and fixedly attach the first and second block members 12, 14to the bracket member 16.

The fins 32 of the opposing side faces 28 include a clip 33 near the end38. The fins 42 correspondingly include clip engagement holes 35 nearopposite ends of each fin 42. The clips 33 are received within the clipengagement holes 35 to attach additional bracket members 16 together toform a wall frame 90 (See FIG. 5A). In one example, the clips 33 arehook members which snap into the clip engagement holes 35. Otherconfigurations are contemplated to connect the bracket members 16 aswould be understood by those skilled in the art who have the benefit ofthis description.

A plurality of tabs 37 are punched outwardly from the top face 26 in adirection opposite the opposing side faces 28. In one example, each tab37 has a rounded corner which slideably engages a slot 39 of the legmember 40. The tab 37/slot 39 engagement, in combination with the clip33/clip engagement hole 35 connection, positions the bracket members 16in a plurality of rows (See FIGS. 5A and 5B).

The bracket member 16 also includes a plurality of troughs 41. Thetroughs 41 are located on the top face 26 and the opposing side faces 28of the bracket member 16. The troughs extend along the lengths of thetop face 26 and opposing side faces 28. In one example, the top face 26and each opposing side face 28 includes two troughs 41, with one trough41 located on each side of the leg member 40. It should be understoodthat the troughs 41 may be positioned at other locations of the bracketmember 16. The troughs 41 funnel water away from the composite masonryblock 10 and thereby reduce the penetration of water within an interiorof the composite masonry blocks 10 (i.e., the troughs 41 prevent waterfrom penetrating through the composite masonry blocks 10).

Referring to FIG. 4, and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, amethod 100 for assembling a composite masonry block wall system thatincludes the composite masonry block 10 is illustrated. At step block102, a plurality of the bracket members 16 are positioned at a desiredlocation. The bracket members 16 are preferably positioned in aplurality of rows and form a wall frame 90 (See FIG. 5A). For example, afirst row 46 of bracket members 16 is affixed to a starting strip 44,for example, which may be bolted or glued to a footing. In one example,the first row 46 of bracket members 16 is bolted to the starting strip44. In another example, the bracket members 16 of the first row 46 areattached to the starting strip 44 with an adhesive. The bracket members16 of the first row 46 are attached to the starting strip 44 in anyknown manner.

A second row 48 of bracket members 16 is attached to the first row 46 ofbracket members 16 (FIG. 5A). In one example, the second row 48 ofbracket members 16 is snap-fit to the first row 46 of bracket members 16via the clip 33/clip engagement hole 35 connection and the tab 37/slot39 engagement. Additional rows of bracket members 16 are added asrequired by design specific parameters including the size of the walldesired. The bracket members 16 establish the horizontal and verticalspacing of the block members 12, 14. Advantageously, the positioning ofthe bracket members 16 into rows in the manner illustrated with respectto step block 102 allows the quality of the installation of the wallsystem to be controlled.

The block members 12, 14 attach to the plurality of bracket members 16at step block 104. In one example, the wall frame 90 is establishedindependently of the block members 12, 14 (See FIG. 5B). That is, thewall frame 90 is self-supporting. The block members 12, 14 arepositioned slightly above and in front of the bracket member 16 and areinserted over the fins 32 of the opposing side faces 28 of the bracketmember 16 between the positioning members 18 to attach the block members12, 14 to the bracket member 16 (See FIG. 3D). That is, the blockmembers 12, 14 are slid over the fins 32 in a downward direction on eachside of the bracket member 16 to assemble the composite masonry block10.

Next, at step block 106, an adhesive is applied to at least a portion ofthe plurality of block members 12, 14 to permanently affix the blockmembers 12, 14 to the bracket members 16. In one example, the adhesivecomprises mortar. In another example, the adhesive is polyurethane glue.The adhesive is sprayed or injected onto the composite masonry blocks 10with a mortar mixer/pump. One example adhesive is applied at a pluralityof joints 50 between each composite masonry block 10 (See FIG. 6). Inanother example, the adhesive is applied at each depression 24 of thefirst and second block members 12, 14. In yet another example, theadhesive is applied along the length L1 of each block member 12, 14.Advantageously, the composite masonry blocks 10 may either be assembledon-site (i.e., at the construction site) or at a fabrication facility.

At step block 108, insulation is sprayed within the openings 30 of thetop face 26 and the opposing side faces 28 of the bracket member 16. Theinsulation sound proofs the wall system and improves the thermalefficiency of the wall system. Additionally, vertical and horizontalreinforcement may be provided to the composite masonry blocks 10 at stepblock 108.

FIG. 7 shows a second example composite masonry block 52. The compositemasonry block 52 includes a first block member 54, a second block member56, and a bracket member 58. The bracket member 58 establishes thehorizontal and vertical spacing between the first block member 54 andthe second block member 56. The first block member 54 and the secondblock member 56 comprise a first material which is different than thematerial of the bracket member 58. In one example, the first blockmember 54 and the second block member 56 are concrete. In anotherexample, the bracket member 58 is metal. One example metal includes 25gauge galvanized sheet metal. In another example, the bracket member 58is a synthetic, such as a plastic, for example.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, with continued reference to FIG. 7, illustrate thefirst block member 54 of the composite masonry block 52. The blockmember 54 is shown as typical of both block members 54 and 56.

The first block member 54 has a length L3 between a first end face 59and a second end face 61. In one example, the length L3 is approximatelysixteen inches, although the actual length will vary depending upondesign specific parameters. In one example, the first block member 54includes a slot 62 coextensive with the length L3 for receiving aportion of the bracket member 58 (see FIG. 8B).

The slot 62 further extends along the first and second end faces 59, 61from a top end 63 towards a bottom end 65 of the first block member 54(See FIG. 8C). Therefore, a portion of the bracket member 58 extendsalong each of the first and second end faces 59, 61 of the first blockmember 54.

The first end face 59 and the second end face 61 each include a bevelangle 55 near the top end 63 of the first block member 54. In oneexample, the bevel angle 55 is about a 45° angle relative to the face ofthe block member 54.

FIG. 9, with continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, shows the bracketmember 58 having a top face 64 and opposing side faces 66. The bracketmember 58 is comprised of a single sheet member and is aligned with thelength L3 of the first and second block members 54, 56. In addition, theopposing side faces 66 of the bracket member 58 extend along the firstand second end faces 59, 61 of the first and second block members 54,56. The bottom side of the composite masonry block 52 is open to providefurther weight reductions.

The bracket member 58 has a width W2 that establishes a spacing betweenthe first block member 54 and the second block member 56. The bracketmember 58 may be manufactured having different widths to obtaincomposite masonry blocks 52 of various sizes while utilizing standardsized block members 52, 54. That is, the actual width of the compositemasonry block 52 is controlled by the width W2 of by the bracket member58. The actual width W of the bracket member 58 will depend upondesign-specific parameters, including but not limited to, the desiredsize and strength of the composite masonry block 52.

The top face 64 of the bracket member 58 includes a plurality ofopenings 68. The openings 68 provide an installer of the compositemasonry blocks 52 with the ability to insulate and reinforce thecomposite masonry block 52. Optionally, the opposing side faces 66 mayinclude at least one opening where necessary to provide insulation andreinforcement during specific installation criterion.

The top face 64 of the bracket member 58 has at least two fins 70 whichextend along its length. The fins 70 extend transversely from the topface 64 in a direction away from the top face 64. The fins 70 of the topface 64 are received within the slot 62 of the first and second blockmembers 54, 56 to assemble the composite masonry block 52.

The opposing side faces 66 each include side fins 72 and a bottom fin74. The side fins 72 are received at the slot 62 of the first and secondend faces 59, 61 of the first and second block members 54, 56. Thebottom fin 74 at least partially wraps around the bottom end 65 of thefirst and second block members 54, 56. The bracket member 58 is securelyaffixed to the first and second block members 54, 56 via an adhesive.Any known adhesive is suitable to attach the bracket member 58 to thefirst and second block members 54, 56. The bracket member 58 couldinclude a tab/slot arrangement similar to the tab/slot arrangement ofthe bracket member 16 illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3C. The compositemasonry block 52 is assembled at a fabrication facility prior to beingshipped to the construction site, in one example.

FIG. 10 illustrates a composite masonry block wall system 82 whichincludes an interior side 78 and an exterior side 80. The wall system 82may include a plurality of the composite masonry blocks 10 or aplurality of the composite masonry blocks 52. The exterior side 80 ofthe wall system 82 may include block members having a decorative face.The block members of the interior side 78 include a non-decorative face.The faces of the block members 10, 52 of each of the exterior side 80and the interior side 78 are parallel to one another.

The composite masonry blocks 10, 52 are positioned in a plurality ofrows to assemble the wall system 82. For example, the wall system 82includes a first row 102 and a second row 104. Although the example wallsystem 82 is shown and described as having two rows, it should beunderstood that the wall system 82 may include any number of rows. Eachrow 102, 104 includes a plurality of the composite masonry blocks 10, 52abutted one next to another. The first row 102 is positioned at astarting strip 86, for example, which may be glued or bolted to afooting. The second row 104 is positioned atop the first row 102.Subsequent rows may be added in a like manner to construct the wallsystem 82.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate another example wall system 200. The wallsystem 200 includes a plurality of bracket studs 202 (See FIGS. 11B and11C) which establish a framework F of the wall system 200. The bracketstuds 202 are disposed adjacent and parallel to one another along astarting strip 206, which may be attached to a footing. The actualnumber of bracket studs 202 used to establish the framework F, and thespacing between each bracket stud 202, will vary depending upon designspecific parameters including, but not limited to, the size of the wallsystem 200 desired.

A plurality of block members 208 (which are identical to block members12, 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) are received on each bracketstud 202. The framework F of the wall system 200 is establishedindependently of the block members 208. Therefore, the bracket studs 202dictate both the horizontal spacing S and the vertical spacing V of theblock members 208. The horizontal spacing S and the vertical spacing Vare dictated by the spacing X between adjacent bracket studs 202 and aheight H of each bracket stud 202, respectively. It should be understoodthat the spacing X and height H of the bracket studs 202 may be designedand manufactured to any specification to fabricate a wall system 200 ofany size. In addition, the dimensions of the block members 208 aredirectly proportional to the spacing between adjacent bracket studs 202.For example, block members 208 of approximately sixteen inches in lengthare used where the bracket studs 202 are spaced approximately eightinches apart.

The framework F may include cross members 210 to provide support to thewall system 200. The cross members 210 extend between adjacent bracketstuds 202 to provide the necessary structural support. The wall system200 includes an inner wall 212 and an outer wall 214 (See FIG. 11C). Awidth W of each bracket stud 202 controls the distance between the innerwall 212 and the outer wall 214 (See FIG. 11B).

FIG. 1B illustrates example features of the bracket studs 202 whichestablish the framework F of the wall system 200. The bracket studs 202each include a plurality of fins 216 for receiving, supporting andpositioning the block members 208. The bracket studs 202 and the blockmembers 208 are comprised of different materials, in one example. Theblock members 208 may be received on the fins 216 in an identical manneras that disclosed with respect to FIGS. 1 through 5 (i.e., via thepositioning members and slots of the block members). A plurality of fins216 extend vertically along the height H on each side of the bracketstuds 202. The actual number of fins 216 included along the height Hwill vary depending upon the size of the wall desired.

In the illustrated example, each bracket stud 202 includes three rows(R1, R2 and R3) of fins 216, with each row R1, R2 and R3 including atleast two fins 216 (i.e., one fin 216 on each side of width W of thebracket stud 202). The first row R1 of fins 216 extend in a firstdirection D1 away from the bracket stud 202. The second row R2 of fins216 extend in a second direction D2 away from the bracket stud 202. Thesecond direction D2 is opposite from the first direction D1. DirectionD1 and direction D2 are transverse to the height H and the width W ofeach bracket stud 202. The third row R3 of fins 216 extend in the firstdirection D1 (parallel to the fins 216 of the first row R1) away fromthe bracket stud 202. That is, adjacent fins 216 along the height H ofeach bracket stud 202 extend in opposite directions.

If additional rows are included on the bracket stud 202, thisalternating pattern of fin 216 positioning continues along the entireheight H of the bracket studs 202. Although three rows are illustrated,it should be understood that the actual number of rows of fins 216 willvary depending upon design specific parameters including, but notlimited to, the size of the wall system 200 and the height H of eachbracket stud 202.

Additionally, adjacent fins 216 of adjacent bracket studs 202 extend inopposite directions relative to one another. For example, the fins 216of row R1 of bracket stud 202A extend in the first direction D1 and thefins 216 of the row R1 of the bracket stud 202B extend in the second,opposite direction D2 (See FIG. 11A).

Each bracket stud 202 also includes a face section 218 extending betweenthe opposing fins 216 of each row. Troughs 220 extend along the facesections 218 of each bracket stud 202. The troughs 220 funnel waterthrough the framework F to reduce the penetration of water within aninterior of the wall frame F (i.e., the troughs 220 prevent water frompenetrating through the block members 208 and settling within the wallsystem 200).

The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of thisinvention. For that reason, the follow claims should be studied todetermine the true scope and content of this invention.

1. A masonry block wall system, comprising: a plurality of bracketsarranged to establish a wall framework, each of said plurality ofbrackets having a plurality of fins adapted to receive and support atleast one block member such that said plurality of fins establish adesired alignment of block members relative to each other.
 2. The wallsystem as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of bracketscomprise bracket studs that each have a plurality of fins sufficient toreceive and support at least a portion of at least three block members.3. The wall system as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of finsreceive a corresponding slot of said at least one block member to securesaid at least one block member to said plurality of brackets.
 4. Thewall system as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of fins aredisposed along a height of said plurality of brackets and on each sideof a width of said plurality of brackets, wherein adjacent fins alongsaid height of each of said plurality of brackets extend in opposingdirections from one another and adjacent fins along said width of eachof said plurality of brackets extend in a similar direction relative toone another.
 5. The wall system as recited in claim 4, wherein each ofsaid plurality of brackets include a face section disposed along saidheight and said width of each of said plurality of brackets.
 6. The wallsystem as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of fins of adjacentbrackets of said plurality of brackets extend in an opposite directionrelative to each other.
 7. The wall system as recited in claim 1,wherein said plurality of brackets establish a horizontal spacing and avertical spacing of block members relative to each other.
 8. The wallsystem as recited in claim 1, comprising at least one cross memberextending between said plurality of brackets to support said wallframework.
 9. The wall system as recited in claim 1, wherein the wallsystem includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein said pluralityof brackets establish a width between said inner wall and said outerwall.
 10. The wall system as recited in claim 1, wherein each of saidplurality of brackets include at least one trough that funnels waterthrough the wall system.
 11. A method of assembling a wall system,comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a plurality of bracket membersto establish a self-supporting wall frame; and (b) attaching a pluralityof block members to the plurality of bracket members.
 12. The method asrecited in claim 11, wherein said step (a) comprises the steps of:affixing a first row of the plurality of bracket members at a starterstrip; and connecting a second row of the plurality of bracket membersto the plurality of bracket members of the first row.
 13. The method asrecited in claim 11, wherein the plurality of bracket members arebracket studs and said step (a) comprises the step of: affixing a firstbracket stud at a starter strip; and affixing a second bracket studadjacent to the first bracket stud along the starter strip.
 14. Themethod as recited in claim 11, wherein said step (b) comprises: slidingthe plurality of block members over a plurality of fins of the pluralityof bracket members.
 15. The method as recited in claim 11, comprisingthe step of: (c) applying an adhesive to at least a portion of theplurality of block members to secure the plurality of block members tothe plurality of bracket members.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15,wherein said step (c) comprises: applying the adhesive along aninterface between each of the plurality of block members and acorresponding bracket member; and applying the adhesive within aplurality of joints extending between adjacent block members.
 17. Themethod as recited in claim 11, wherein said step (b) is performedsubsequent to said step (a).
 18. The method as recited in claim 11,comprising the step of: (c) insulating and reinforcing the wall system.19. A composite masonry block wall system, comprising: a first row ofcomposite masonry blocks; and a second row of composite masonry blocksaffixed to said first row, wherein said composite masonry blocks eachinclude a first block member, a second block member and at least onebracket member, wherein said bracket members establish a wall frameindependent of said first block members and said second block members.20. The wall system as recited in claim 19, wherein said bracket membersof said first row and said second row form a self-supporting wall frame,wherein said bracket members of said first row and said second row arespaced apart a length equal to approximately 50% of a length of saidfirst block members and said second block members.
 21. The wall systemas recited in claim 19, wherein said bracket members each define aplurality of tabs and a plurality of leg members, wherein said pluralityof tabs of said bracket members of said first row are at least partiallyreceived by said plurality of leg members of said bracket members ofsaid second row.